The familiar sting and discomfort in your eyes after crying is a common experience. This sensation, ranging from soreness to a dull ache, is a natural physiological response to shedding tears. While emotional tears play an important role, their production and associated physical actions can temporarily affect the delicate structures of the eye.
Why Your Eyes Hurt After Crying
Emotional tears differ from basal tears, which constantly lubricate the eye. Emotional tears contain higher concentrations of stress hormones and proteins. When produced in large quantities or for prolonged periods, these tears can become mildly irritating to the eye’s surface, contributing to a burning or stinging sensation.
The physical act of crying also contributes to eye pain. Continuous tear production and overflow can irritate the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the eyelids. Rubbing the eyes, a common reaction, further exacerbates this irritation and can cause minor abrasions or inflammation.
Crying can also dilate small blood vessels around the eyes. This increased blood flow, necessary for tear production, makes the eyes appear red and can contribute to pressure or soreness. The tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva swell, becoming more visible.
Paradoxically, excessive tearing can result in temporary eye dryness. The constant flow of tears can disrupt the natural tear film, a protective layer of oil, water, and mucus. When this balance is disturbed, eyes may feel gritty, dry, or sore, similar to dry eye syndrome. Muscles around the eyes can also experience strain. Prolonged squinting, scrunching, or vigorous rubbing can lead to fatigue, manifesting as a dull ache or discomfort.
Common Accompanying Symptoms
Beyond eye pain, crying often brings other noticeable symptoms. Puffiness or swelling around the eyes is common. This occurs because delicate tissues around the eyes can retain excess fluid from tears, especially when the tear drainage system is overwhelmed.
Redness of the eyes is another frequent symptom. This is primarily due to dilated blood vessels in the conjunctiva, which become more prominent with increased blood flow during tear production. Irritation from tears and rubbing can also contribute to this flushed appearance.
Crying can also trigger headaches. The physical strain of prolonged crying can lead to tension in facial, scalp, and neck muscles, resulting in a tension headache. When tears drain into nasal passages, they can mix with mucus and build up in the sinuses, causing pressure and pain similar to a sinus headache.
Intense emotional release can also lead to general fatigue. The body expends energy during emotional distress, and physiological responses like increased heart rate and altered breathing can leave you feeling drained.
How to Soothe Your Eyes
To alleviate discomfort after crying, several simple remedies can be applied. A cold compress is effective in reducing swelling and soothing irritation. Applying a clean cloth soaked in cool water to closed eyelids can help constrict blood vessels and lessen puffiness.
Gently cleansing the face can help remove tear residue, which may contain irritants contributing to lingering discomfort. Splashing the face with cool water can also provide a refreshing sensation.
Staying well-hydrated helps the body rebalance fluids and can reduce overall puffiness.
Giving your eyes and body adequate rest is beneficial. Closing your eyes and allowing them to relax can reduce muscle strain and promote recovery.
Avoiding the urge to rub your eyes is important, as this can worsen irritation, introduce bacteria, and prolong discomfort.
If eyes feel dry or irritated, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help restore moisture and soothe the eye surface. These drops can mimic natural tears and provide a protective layer.
When to Consult a Doctor
While eye pain after crying is typically temporary and resolves on its own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. If pain is persistent, severe, or worsens, it could indicate an underlying issue requiring professional evaluation. This is especially true if discomfort lasts for more than a few hours or days.
Any changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or a sudden decrease in clarity, should be promptly assessed by a healthcare provider. These symptoms might signal a more serious condition unrelated to crying.
Discharge from the eye, excessive stickiness, or increased warmth and redness could indicate an infection.
If you experience a persistent foreign body sensation, feeling like something is lodged in your eye, seek medical advice.
If the crying episode was associated with any eye injury or trauma, even if minor, a doctor should be consulted to rule out potential damage.